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Caregiver handout

Hip Precautions (Posterior Approach)

After a hip replacement done through the back of the hip, certain movements can strain the new joint while it heals. These are the three movements most surgeons ask you to avoid at first. Your surgeon's specific instructions always come first, including how long to follow these rules.

Avoid these three movements

  • Do not bend your hip past a right angle (90 degrees). Keep your knee below hip level when sitting.
  • Do not cross your legs or bring the operated leg across the middle of your body.
  • Do not turn your toes or knee inward on the operated leg (pigeon-toed position).

Everyday ways to stay within the rules

  • Sit in chairs with armrests that keep your hips higher than your knees; add a firm cushion to low seats.
  • Use a raised toilet seat and a shower chair if your therapist recommends them.
  • Use a reacher, sock aid, and long-handled shoehorn instead of bending to reach your feet.
  • Sleep on your back with a pillow between your legs, or as your surgeon directs.
  • Take stairs one at a time; your therapist will teach the leading-leg pattern for going up and down.

Call your surgeon or care team if

  • The leg suddenly looks shorter or turned, or you feel a pop with new severe pain (possible dislocation; do not try to move the leg back).
  • You develop new calf pain or swelling, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
  • The incision becomes increasingly red, warm, or drains, or you develop a fever.

Precaution rules and how long they last vary by surgeon. Follow your surgical team's specific instructions over anything on this sheet.

Therapist / contact: ______________________________ Date: ____________

Educational material from TheOTBench, reviewed with you by your therapist. It supplements, and never replaces, your care team's specific instructions. Source basis: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, OrthoInfo: Total Hip Replacement and activity guidance after hip replacement.